Origins of Yoga
The earliest evidence of yoga can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, where seals depicting figures in yoga-like postures were discovered.
3000 BCE
1500 BCE
Vedic Yoga
The Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures, mention yoga practices, emphasizing rituals and ceremonies that require physical and mental discipline.
500 BCE
Upanishads and Early Texts
The Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts, introduce concepts of meditation and spiritual knowledge, laying the groundwork for classical yoga.
200 BCE
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras codify the practice of yoga into an eight-limbed path, providing a comprehensive guide to achieving mental and physical well-being.
800 CE
Hatha Yoga Emergence
Hatha Yoga, focusing on physical postures and breath control, begins to take shape, as documented in texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
1893
Swami Vivekananda Introduces Yoga to the West
Swami Vivekananda presents yoga at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, sparking Western interest in the practice.
1920
Establishment of Kaivalyadhama Institute
Swami Kuvalayananda establishes the Kaivalyadhama Institute in India, dedicated to the scientific study of yoga.
1946
Autobiography of a Yogi Published
Paramahansa Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi" is published, significantly boosting yoga's popularity in the West.
1950
Rise of Modern Yoga Masters
Yoga masters like B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois begin teaching in the West, developing styles such as Iyengar Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga.
1965
Yoga in Pop Culture
The Beatles visit India and study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, bringing yoga into mainstream Western culture.
1970
Yoga as Exercise
Yoga begins to be recognized not just as a spiritual practice but also as a form of physical exercise, leading to the development of various fitness-oriented yoga styles.
1980
Yoga in Medical Research
Scientific studies on the health benefits of yoga begin to emerge, validating its effectiveness in stress reduction, flexibility, and overall well-being.
1990
Yoga Studios Proliferate
Yoga studios start to appear in major cities worldwide, making yoga accessible to a broader audience.
2000
Digital Yoga Revolution
The rise of the internet and social media platforms like YouTube allows yoga practitioners to access classes and tutorials online.
2014
International Day of Yoga
The United Nations declares June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing its global significance and promoting its practice worldwide.
2020
Yoga During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic leads to a surge in online yoga classes as people seek ways to manage stress and maintain physical health from home.
